Vertical interactive amusement system for mechanical dispensing machines

ABSTRACT

A vertical and interactive entertainment system for mechanical vending machines of the type that dispenses spherical or oval gift products. The system includes a vertical game panel that is configured for entertainment using the product, and that has at least one outlet that guides said product towards a delivery receptacle where it is delivered when the entertainment is successfully completed (game won). The system also includes positioning means designed to guide the product to a lower collection area when the game is not won, and mechanical means for manual activation configured to lift the product from the lower collection area towards the upper part of the vertical game panel, allowing the game to be restarted repeatedly until the game is successfully completed.

PRIORITY CLAIM

This application is a continuation of and claims priority to and the benefit of PCT Application No. PCT/ES2011/070027 filed on Jan. 18, 2011 which claims priority to and the benefit of Spain Application No. P201030075 filed on Jan. 21, 2010.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention refers to a vertical and interactive entertainment system for mechanical vending machines, which function without a connection to the electrical grid, of the type that vend products such as normally spherical or oval plastic balls with toys inside them intended for children of a young age, incorporating in said machines an interactive entertainment (game) with the vended product in a vertical environment which allows unlimited interaction with the product until the entertainment is successfully completed and this is dispensed, thus increasing customer interest.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It is known in prior art as a mechanical vending machine (non-networked) for the sale of toys encased in plastic balls, gum, and other products, which, upon inserting a coin and turning the crank mechanically, activates and implements mechanical systems to cause a ball or product in games, with which one may interact prior to the product being dispensed, to fall in order to be dispensed.

In documents ES1026440U, ES1030758U and ES1065455U various options are claimed regarding coin activated vending machines. All of them include a mechanism with a pinball type transverse game field in the vending machine; document ES 1066302U proposes various alternatives game fields, such as football, hockey, or spades. The machines mentioned have a common problem, which is that the configuration of the game that they incorporate is located in a transverse manner to the machine, thus requiring occupation of greater space, which greatly limits their installation. Another problem that they have is that smaller children have difficulty correctly viewing the game field, as well as using the controls, which has a great impact on the profitability of the machine.

Document ES 1027724U explains a vertical vending machine, claiming insertion of integrated entertainment inside the machine, and being positioned transversely, which is an inconvenience, since it hinders the view of young children. Inserting the appropriate coin causes direct dispensing of an article while dispensing another article in the game area. This will only be dispensed if the player succeeds in beating the game, for which they have only one chance. If they do not win, the second item will be returned to the tray in the lower part of the game and will be removed by a lifting system the next time the machine is activated in order to re-feed the game. This lack of ability to interact with the product that is dispensed in the game area repeatedly until they can acquire it causes enormous frustration in small children, who quickly lose interest.

Document ES 1050975U refers to a prize vending machine with a vertical game. The game is played with balls that are in a closed circuit, with which a score is achieved, and the product will be dispensed via an electronic selection system. Document ES2166699A1 presents a programmable vending machine which has a CPU that controls delivery of the prizes; the documents mentioned refer to vertical vending machines that use mechanical systems in combination with electrical and electronic systems. The main problem with these is that they do not have the ability to work without an electrical power source, in addition to the matter that complexity of this type of machines requires frequent maintenance from skilled personnel.

Document ES1039197U refers to a leisure-vending machine with spherical articles; this type of machine lacks the option for children to interact with the product, being limited to seeing the various means for the product to fall.

Document ES190544Y refers to a machine in which the user, using a wheel, controls the movements of a disk for the purpose of recovering the coin which was previously inserted. Document ES246791Y provides a series of improvements and proposes the use of game disks with rows of obstacles throughout the surface or a labyrinthine structure of walls; the machines described have the failing of not dispensing the product. The service they provide is entertainment with the coin inserted, only with the option of recovering the coin or losing it for lack of skill; Another failing in them is that they do not have any system that provides a second chance to be able to restart the game if the user loses.

It is for this reason that there is a need for a machine the solves these problems and failings that have been mentioned and offers a new concept of entertainment vending machine mechanics.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This invention solves the above-mentioned problems, completely and satisfactorily, via a vertical, interactive entertainment system, specially designed for this kind of vending machine, with which the product is dispensed once a specific game has been completed successfully.

In one embodiment the vertical and interactive entertainment system for mechanical vending machines, of the type that dispenses spherical or oval gift products before insertion of the appropriate coin, comprises a vertical game panel that is configured for entertainment using the product. The panel has at least one outlet that guides the product towards a delivery receptacle where it is delivered when the entertainment is successfully completed. Also part of this embodiment is means for positioning configured to direct the product towards a lower area for collection when the entertainment is not successfully completed. A mechanical means for manual activation configured is provided to lift the product from the lower collection area towards the upper part of the vertical game panel which allows the entertainment to be restarted repeatedly until the game is successfully completed.

The user can, thus, play continuously until they successfully beat the game. This eliminates the user's frustration at not being able to acquire the object if they do not play the game well, and increases the machine's attraction.

Likewise, the machine's appeal benefits from the fact that the vertical game panel is easily interchangeable with other vertical game panels with other decorations or games. The decoration of these panels not only attracts customers, but also conceals the products stored in the machine. This aspect minimizes the risk of robbery, since it is impossible to predict how much money the machine has already taken in at any time.

Preferably, the means for positioning are configured to receive the product at the beginning of the game by means of a game start port communicating with a device and directing the product to the lower collection area.

Optionally, the vertical game panel can include various bumpers in different locations to display the product as it follows random paths. This adds a probability factor that depends on the user's skill while playing the game, which facilitates game progress and user satisfaction.

The system in this invention allows for a large number of possible configurations in which various different games can be used. Below are two examples of them, inclusive but not limiting the present invention.

According to the first example, the vertical game panel includes a rotating panel with the delivery outlet and an integral collection box in the rotating panel to collect the product from the lower collection area and release it into the upper part of the control panel.

According to this first example, the means for positioning include a collection platform designed to direct the product to the lower collection area.

In turn, the mechanical means for manual activation include a control wheel designed to transmit rotary movement to the rotating panel, allowing the product to be collected by the collection box from the lower collection area and moved up to the upper part of the rotating panel to start the game.

Preferably, the collection platform will include a first, sloped, straight section connected to a second, concave section, in which both sections are arranged across the width of the rotating panel in the lower part thereof but independent from it, defining the point of union between the two sections in the lower collection area.

Preferably, the rotating panel includes several lanes to different levels of height through which the product moves via interaction with the control wheel, allowing the product to reach the opening of the outlet or fall to the collection platform, according to the skill with which the wheel is managed. If it is desired to add the probability factor to the game, the bumpers mentioned above can be added.

According to a second example, the vertical game panel may include a static panel where the outlet port is located.

According to this first example, the means for positioning may include an inclined ramp placed across the width of the static panel, designed to direct the product to the lower collection area.

In turn, the mechanical means for manual activation may include a rotor located in the lower collection area that lifts the product to the upper part of the rotating panel to start the game.

This second example may also include a convex ramp in the upper part of the static panel that provides a parabolic trajectory for the product launched by the rotor.

Finally, this second example can be completed with a targeting element, such as a goal or basket (as in basketball), placed over the static panel and connected to the outlet.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Below is a very brief description of a set of drawings that help to better understand the invention, and which are specifically related to various examples of how said invention can be configured, presented as an option, but not limiting the possibilities.

FIG. 1A is a front view of a vending machine with the entertainment system in this invention, according to a first, preferred construction scenario.

FIG. 1B is a side view cross-section of a vending machine with the entertainment system in this invention, according to a first, preferred construction scenario.

FIG. 2A is a front view of a vending machine with the entertainment system in this invention, according to the first, preferred construction scenario.

FIG. 2B is a side, cross-section of a vending machine with the entertainment system in this invention, according to the first, preferred construction scenario.

FIG. 3A is a front view of a vending machine with the entertainment system in this invention, according to the second, preferred construction scenario.

FIG. 3B is a cross-section of a vending machine with the entertainment system from this invention, according to a second construction scenario.

FIG. 4A is a front view of a vending machine with the entertainment system in this invention, according to the second, preferred construction scenario.

FIG. 4B is a side, cross-section of a vending machine with the entertainment system in this invention, according to the second, preferred construction scenario.

PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1A shows that the vertical, interactive entertainment system (1) for mechanical vending machines, of the type that dispenses spherical or oval packaged gift products (2) prior to insertion of the appropriate coin (3) includes a vertical game panel (6) that is configured for entertainment using the product (2), and that has at least one outlet (7) that guides said product (2) towards a delivery receptacle (8) where it is delivered when the entertainment is successfully completed (game won). Also provided is means of positioning (9) configured to direct the product (2) towards a lower area (10) for collection when the entertainment is not successfully completed. Also part of this embodiment is mechanical means for manual activation (11) configured to lift the product (2) from the lower collection area (10) towards the upper part of the vertical game panel (6), allowing the entertainment to be restarted repeatedly until the game is successfully completed.

As can be seen, the means for positioning (9) are configured to receive the product (2) at the beginning of the game by means of a game start port (25) communicating with a device (4) and directing the product (2) to the lower collection area (10).

FIG. 1B shows that the device (4) of the product (2) is located in the part behind (4) where the game is played. According to this first scenario, the vertical game panel (6) includes a rotating panel (12) with the delivery outlet (7) and an integral collection box (13) in the rotating panel (12) to collect the product (2) from the lower collection area (10) and release it into the upper part of the rotating panel (12).

According to this first scenario, the means for positioning (9) include a collection platform (14) designed to direct the product (2) to the lower collection area (10), either at the start of the game or during play and until the game is successfully completed.

The collection platform (14) will include a first, sloped, straight section (16) connected to a second, concave section (17), in which both sections (16, 17) are arranged across the width of the rotating panel (12) in the lower part thereof but independent from it, defining the point of union between the two sections (16, 17) in the lower collection area (10). As can be seen, at the beginning of the game, the first, straight, inclined section (16) receives the product (2) from the game start opening (25). Due to the spherical or ovoid shape of said product (2) and the slope of the section (16), the product starts to roll until it remains in the collection area (10).

In turn, the mechanical means for manual activation (11) include a control wheel (15) designed to transmit rotary movement to the rotating panel (12), allowing the product (2) to be collected by the collection box (13) from the lower collection area (10) and moved up to the upper part of the rotating panel (12) to start the game.

FIG. 1B shows a set of pulleys (26) that enable customer interaction by means of the control wheel (15) with the product (2).

The rotating panel (12) includes several lanes (18) to different levels of height through which the product (2) moves via interaction with the control wheel (15), allowing the product (2) to reach the opening of the outlet (7) or fall to the collection platform (14), according to the skill with which the wheel (15) is managed.

FIGS. 2A and 2B show a variant of this first preferred construction scenario in which the rails (18) have been substituted by a plurality of bouncers/flippers (23).

According to the second construction scenario shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the vertical game panel (6) includes a static panel (19) in where the outlet port (7) is located.

According to this second construction scenario, the means of positioning (9) include a sloped ramp (20) located across the width of the static panel (19) designed to direct the product (2) to the lower collection area (10), either at the start of the game or during play and until the game is successfully completed.

In turn, the mechanical means for manual activation (11) include a rotor (21) located in the lower collection area (10) that lifts the product (2) to the upper part of the rotating panel (12) to start the game.

This second construction scenario also includes a convex ramp (22) in the upper part of the static panel that provides a parabolic trajectory for the product (2) launched by the rotor (21).

Finally, this second construction scenario is finished with a targeting element (24) placed over the static panel (19) and connected to the outlet (7).

FIGS. 4A and 4B show a variant of this second construction scenario in which the targeting elements (24) have been substituted by a plurality of bouncers/flippers (23). 

1. A vertical and interactive entertainment system for mechanical vending machines of the type that dispenses spherical or oval packaged products prior to insertion of the appropriate coin(s), said system comprises: a vertical panel and at least one control wheel designed to transmit rotary movement to a group of pulleys over the vertical, rotating panel and means of positioning which are designed to start a game repeatedly until the game is won, upon which the product is dispensed, to repeatedly collect the product from the lower collection area and lift it to the upper part of the vertical game panel, allowing the game to be started or restarted repeatedly until the game is won; the positioning means have a collection platform designed to direct the product to the lower collection area when the game is won, including a first inclined straight section connected with a second concave section where the two sections are arranged across the width of the rotary panel at the bottom thereof and independent of it, defining the point of attachment of both sections in the lower collection area.
 2. The vertical, interactive entertainment system for mechanical vending machines according to claim 1 wherein the means for positioning are configured to receive the product at the beginning of the game by means of a game start port communicating with a device and directing the product to the lower collection area.
 3. The vertical, interactive entertainment system for mechanical vending machines according to claim 1, wherein the vertical game panel is configured for entertainment using the product, and having at least one outlet that guides said product towards a delivery receptacle where it is delivered when the entertainment is successfully completed (game won).
 4. The vertical, interactive entertainment system for mechanical vending machines according to claim 1, wherein the rotating panel includes several lanes to different levels of height through which the product moves via interaction with the control wheel, allowing the product to reach the opening of the outlet or fall to the collection platform, according to the skill with which the wheel is managed.
 5. The vertical, interactive entertainment system for mechanical vending machines comprising a static, vertical panel which has an inclined ramp which is placed across the width of the static panel designed to direct the product to the lower collection area, enabling starting and restarting of the game repeatedly by manually activating the rotor until the game is won by inserting the product in the outlet which guides the product to a delivery receptacle where it is, thus, finally dispensed.
 6. The vertical, interactive entertainment system for mechanical vending machines according to claim 5, further comprising a convex ramp in the upper part of the static panel that provides a parabolic trajectory for the product launched by the rotor.
 7. The vertical, interactive entertainment system for mechanical vending machines according to claim 5 wherein the static panel includes at least one targeting element connected to the outlet.
 8. The mechanical vending machine characterized in that it includes a vertical and interactive entertainment system according to claim
 1. 